Avonex News

Avonex Q&A

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a) is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to slow the accumulation of physical disability and decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis. Safety and efficacy in patients with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis have not been established.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The recommended dosage of AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a) is 30 mcg injected intramuscularly once a week.

AVONEX® is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. Patients may self-inject only if their physician determines that it is appropriate and with medical follow-up, as necessary, after proper training in intramuscular injection technique. Sites for injection include the thigh or upper arm (see Medication Guide).

RECONSTITUTION OF AVONEX&REG; VIALS

Use appropriate aseptic technique during the preparation of AVONEX®. To reconstitute lyophilized AVONEX®, use a sterile syringe and MICRO PIN® to inject 1.1 mL of the supplied diluent, Sterile Water for Injection, USP, into the AVONEX® vial. Gently swirl the vial of AVONEX® to dissolve the drug completely. DO NOT SHAKE. The reconstituted solution should be clear to slightly yellow without particles. Inspect the reconstituted product visually prior to use. Discard the product if it contains particulate matter or is discolored. Each vial of reconstituted solution contains 30 mcg/1.0 mL Interferon beta-1a.

Withdraw 1.0 mL of reconstituted solution from the vial into a sterile syringe. Replace the cover on the MICRO PIN® and attach the sterile 23 gauge, 1 ¼ inch needle and inject the solution intramuscularly. The AVONEX® and diluent vials are for single-use only; unused portions should be discarded.

USING AVONEX&REG; PREFILLED SYRINGES

The AVONEX® prefilled syringe should be held upright (rubber cap faces up). Remove the protective cover by turning and gently pulling the rubber cap in a clockwise motion. Attach the 23 gauge, 1 ¼ inch needle and inject the solution intramuscularly. The AVONEX® prefilled syringe is for single-use only.

STABILITY AND STORAGE

30 MCG LYOPHILIZED POWDER VIAL

Vials of AVONEX® must be stored in a 2-8°C (36-46°F) refrigerator. Should refrigeration be unavailable, vials of AVONEX® can be stored at 25°C (77°F) for a period of up to 30 days. DO NOT EXPOSE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. DO NOT FREEZE. Protect from light. Do not use beyond the expiration date stamped on the vial. Following reconstitution, it is recommended the product be used as soon as possible within 6 hours stored at 2-8°C (36-46°F). DO NOT FREEZE RECONSTITUTED AVONEX®.

30 MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE

AVONEX® in prefilled syringes must be stored in a 2-8°C (36-46°F) refrigerator. Once removed from the refrigerator, AVONEX® in a prefilled syringe should be allowed to warm to room temperature (about 30 minutes) and used within 12 hours. Do not use external heat sources such as hot water to warm AVONEX® in a prefilled syringe. DO NOT EXPOSE TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. DO NOT FREEZE. Protect from light. Do not use beyond the expiration date stamped on the syringe.